Newcastle vs Sunderland Predictions

• Both teams have scored in two of Sunderland’s last nine matches
• The Black Cats have scored just eight Premier League away goals this season
• Newcastle have scored at least twice in eight of their last 12 matches

Magpies well-equipped to bounce back

Newcastle were always up against it when facing Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, but they will be anxious to recover quickly from the 7-2 mauling they got at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

However, a home derby against Sunderland looks an ideal fixture for them to refocus and they should be able to keep their neighbours at bay at St James’ Park.

The Magpies need to build up a head of steam quickly if they are to force their way into the equation as the places in next season’s European competitions are decided, especially as they are also out of the FA Cup.

They were sunk by their north-east rivals by a Nick Woltemade own goal at the Stadium of Light, so that should provide motivation, but it is the Black Cats’ indifferent away form that tips the balance in the Geordies’ favour.

Away-day woes a worry for Sunderland

Sunderland will be delighted to have accumulated 40 points from their opening 30 games after winning last season’s Championship playoffs, but the next stage for Regis Le Bris’s team is for them to be more competitive on the road.

While they have gained victories at Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea in the league, they have scored just eight goals on their top-flight travels and their 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in October has been the only occasion they have netted more than once on the road.

And that goes for cup competitions too as they claimed a 1-0 FA Cup win at Championship strugglers Oxford before they were knocked out by a 1-0 defeat at League One basement boys Port Vale in the fifth round.

They have won just one of their last six league games and it is difficult to see them making much of an impression at Newcastle, so go for the home side to win without conceding while a 2-0 Magpies success may be of interest to correct-score punters.

Gordon should get plenty of chances

Those looking for an anytime-goalscorer interest are pointed towards Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

The former Everton midfielder has been playing in a more advanced role lately and that has allowed him to hit the target in their recent victories over Manchester United, so he is capable of boosting his tally.